A CHILDREN’S charity has launched a £1,000 appeal to put a sports-mad Middlewich four-year-old on the right track.

Callum Starkey has Global Developmental Delay, a severe learning difficulty, and is unable to talk.

Callum has recently started mainstream school and is coping really well with his disability, having just started to crawl and kneel.

However, he really wants to join his friends when they ride their bikes, but is restricted as he tires quickly and has to be supported and monitored closely.

In order to give Callum the chance to join his friends, Caudwell Children,which helps fund treatment, therapy and equipment for sick and disabled children throughout the UK, is asking for donations to buy a specialised Imp Tricycle, worth £980.

Caudwell Children chief executive Trudi Beswick said: “This Imp Tricycle would help Callum to build his muscle strength while playing, give him the independence he longs for, allowing him to join in with his peers socially and emotionally.

“The tricycle will give correct postural support for his upper body and his feet support will help with Callums coordination.

“A campaign like this is crucial to helping provide youngsters like Callum with costly equipment that is not available on the NHS.

“A bike such as this costs £980 and we are asking kind-hearted members of the local community to help us provide this life-changing equipment by making a donation or by holding their own charity event.”

Anyone wishing to support the appeal should visit www.justgiving.com/Callum-Starkey or call Mary Rose at Caudwell Children on 01782 600433.